Justin Gainey is "flattered" at the thought of being a candidate for the NC State coaching vacancy, but insisted his focus rests with Tennessee basketball as the Vols head into the postseason.

Tennessee associate head coach Justin Gainey said Thursday that he was surprised by the North Carolina State job opening this week, but added that his focus remains on the Vols entering the postseason.

Justin Gainey could be a candidate to be the next NC State coach after Kevin Keatts was fired Sunday. The Tennessee basketball associate head coach played for the Wolfpack from 1996-2000 and was on staff at NC State from 2006-09.

The frontrunners to become the next NC State basketball head coach appear to be McNeese State's Will Wade and Tennessee's associate head coach in former beloved Wolfpack guard Justin Gainey. Kevin Keatts was fired on Sunday morning following his eighth season at the helm in Raleigh.